RENDA MEDIA ALL-STAR BASKETBALL TEAM

Player of the Year

Brad Felix, United Senior Forward – 20.7 PPG, 14 double doubles (14th in PA), 9.2 Rebounds per game, scored 1,081 career points, including 580 his senior year. “Brad is a hard worker who leads by example. Brad is unselfish and almost always was assigned to guard the other teams’ best player. In three championship game wins, Brad was the leading scorer and held his man under 10 points in each game.

Joe Marino, United Senior Guard -12.6 PPG, 5.7 rebounds per game, 109 assists. “Joe is a tough defensive player who has many intangibles that don’t always show up in the stat sheet.  Joe will dive for a loose ball and take charges. He is unselfish and always makes the extra pass to set up his teammates.  Joe plays with passion and energy every night.  There is not much more a coach can ask for than that.  I’m proud to have had the opportunity to have coached Joe.”  ~ United coach Matt Rodkey

Tyler Robertson, United Senior Guard – 10.5 PPG, 41 percent from 3, 72 made 3 pointers (14th in PA and best in Indiana County). “Tyler has always been a great shooter but this year he amped up his defensive prowess.  Tyler prided himself on holding some of the best 3 point shooters in our area to a very limited number of 3 point attempts and limited their scoring with great defensive positioning and pressure.  Tyler shoots the 3 himself at a rate north of 40% while making the 14th most 3 pointers in PA this year.  Personally it was awesome to have the opportunity to coach my nephew and see him develop as a basketball player and grow into the wonderful young man that he has become.”  ~ United coach Matt Rodkey

Mason Kargo, Portage Senior Point Guard – 14 PPG, 7 .3 APG, and 6 RPG. Also took 32 charges to break his own school record. Mason ended up with over 1,00 career points and 500 assists. “Mason has been an instrumental part of our success since his freshman year (95-15).  He was a catalyst on both ends of the floor and is one of the best passers I’ve watched in my 23 years as a high school coach.”  ~ Portage coach Travis Kargo

Andrew Miko, Portage Senior Forward – 15 PPG, 9RPG, 2.8 APG.  Andrew finished with over 1,000 career points and 500 rebounds.  “Andrew is a fierce competitor and did what the team needed night in and night out for 4 years.  He played a major role on our team for all 4 years.  He is the type of player and person that exemplifies the high school student athlete.”  ~ Portage coach Travis Kargo

Gavin Homer, Indiana Senior Guard – 17.4 PPG, shooting 45 percent FG, 6.2 RPG.  “Gavin Homer is an outstanding athlete. His athletic and basketball abilities, along with his court sense, make him very difficult to guard. He was undoubtedly our most consistent player and always drew our opponents best defensive player Gavin is a leaper. He had multiple two hand jaw dropping dunks that began underneath the hoop. That type of athletic ability is rarely seen from a 6’1″ athlete. Gavin led our young team by example. ”  ~ Indiana coach Greg Lezanic

Max Hill, Penns Manor Senior Forward – 391 points this year, with his 1000th point vs Belleville Mennonite. He had 130 rebounds 22 assists and 23 steals. “Max is an incredible person and basketball player. He is a huge part of our success over the last 4 years. He is a 4 year starter and he will be missed tremendously.”  ~ Penns Manor coach Andrew Lansberry

Michael Krejocic, Homer-Center Senior Point Guard – Team-leading 11.7 PPG and FG percentage of 47. He was second on the team in rebounds, assists, 3 point field goal percentage and free throw percentage. “Michael was a quiet leader who lead by example. He was one of the toughest players I have ever coached. His stats exemplify that he was the heartbeat of the team. I think what set Michael apart was that he hated losing more than he enjoyed winning.”  ~ Homer-Center coach Paul Pohley

Carter Lamb, Cambria Heights Senior Forward – 14.6 PPG, 9.5 RPG and 1.1 BPG.  “Carter is a gifted athlete. He can attack the rim and shoot from the outside. Carter is one of the best defenders in the area, quick enough to guard on the perimeter as well as protect the rim. ”  ~ Cambria Heights coach Eric Nagel

Braydn Rodgers, West Shamokin Sophomore Point Guard – 14.0 PPG, 7.0 RPG, shooting 47 percent FG. “Braydn has great potential and really loves the game. His athleticism is special and his skills and confidence are growing.  This was a breakout season for him, and I’m really excited to to watch him continue to grow as a young man and player.”  ~ West Shamokin coach Judd McCullough

Dom Speal, River Valley Junior Point Guard – 12.4 PPG, 3.8 APG, 2.4 SPG. “Dom is a gym rat and is always working on his game. His opponents are always game planning to slow him down, but Dom continues to produce at a high level and is a great leader and teammate for our basketball team.”  ~ River Valley coach Don Stitt

Coach of the Year

Travis Kargo, Portage – Kargo has coached the Mustangs for 23 years with an overall record of 309-245. The last 4 years, Portage has posted a 95-15 record with three District 6 Championships, one runner-up, a WestPAC Title, and trips to the PIAA Final 4, Elite 8 and Sweet 16. Overall, the Mustangs have played in 5 District 6 Championships.

Player of the Year

Ava Persichetti, River Valley Sophomore Point Guard – 19.8 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.3 APG, 3.6 SPG, 3-Pointer Made 64, 36 percent in 3-pointers. Ava was a Team Captain. She scored her 1000th point against Conemaugh Township in just 53 career games. She had three 30+ point games and had a career high 14 assists against West Shamokin. Ava was the leading scorer in the State Championship game. She was chosen First Team All-State in 3A by the PA State Sports Writers Association.

Hannah Artley, River Valley Senior Forward – 9.1 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 54 percent in field goals. Hannah was a Team Captain. She scored a season-high 23 points against Portage and had a season-high 15 rebounds against Conemaugh Township. Hannah had a double double in the Heritage semi-final game and ten 10+ rebound games. She led the team in offensive rebounding, which was an integral part in the team’s success, and was the team leader in field goal percentage. Hannah had 16 points against Laurel in a state playoff game and the game winning assist. “Hannah has always been a great leader. Her character has helped shape the culture of our program leading to great success. Through selflessness, perseverance and encouragement, she makes the team feel like a family and brings out the best in everyone. On the court, she physically imposes her will on the game, and is not shy to set a hard screen or battle for contested rebounds.  One of the first athletes in the gym, willing to make the necessary winning plays that don’t show up in the stat sheets. Hannah is a relentless force in the game, and has provided great stability as a team captain, leading by example.” ~ River Valley assistant coach Doug Smith

Abby Pynos, River Valley Senior Center – 9.5 PPG, 8.8 RPG, 1.8 BPG. Abby was a Team Captain, with a season-high 22 points against Bishop McCort. She had eleven 10+ rebound games and recorded a season-high of 19 rebounds against Portage in the Heritage semi-final game. Abby had a season-high of eight blocks against Marion Center. She posted three double doubles in the playoff run. Abby finished the season as the team leader in rebounds and blocks, and she hit the game-winning shot against Laurel in the second round of the state playoffs, finishing that game with 14 points and 11 rebounds. “Abby is a great player, with a tremendous IQ for basketball. Great passer and vision for a center and has the ability to finish left as well as right. She worked extensively on her game this offseason, through this work and her overall character she has been a great team captain. Her discipline, self-accountability, and awareness made her a great leader for our team. She has the unique ability of getting everyone in the room to laugh while still maintaining focus on the goals in sight. She has been a phenomenal player for our program, but her impact goes far beyond the stat sheets.” ~ River Valley assistant coach Doug Smith

Molly Kosmack, Homer-Center Senior Forward – 13.6 PPG, 13.3 RPG, 2.0 BPG, 55 percent in field goals, 82 percent in free throws. Molly was the third person at Homer-Center to garner 1000 pts and 1000 rebounds. She was chosen Third Team All-State in 2A by the PA State Sports Writers Association. “Molly has such a strong worth ethic and strives to not only make herself better but also her teammates.  She has the ability to not only play with her back to the hoop, but can stretch her game out to the arc with success. Having Molly as a member of this team has been a complete joy, not just for the player she has become but also the type of student and individual she is.  In the midst of her senior year Molly not only scored her 1000^th point, but she grabbed her 1000^th rebound.” ~ Homer-Center coach Nick Moore

Macy Sardone, Homer-Center Senior Guard – 18.0 PPG, 2.0 SPG, 37 percent in 3-point field goals, 81 percent in free throws. Macy Sardone is second all-time leading scorer at Homer-Center with 1717 pts.  She was chosen First Team All-State in 2A by the PA State Sports Writers Association. “In all my years of coaching I can honestly say that Macy is probably the greatest scorer of the basketball I have seen. When the ball leaves her hand we expect it to go in.  From the foul line she is automatic. When we are faced with big challenges, Macy is at the head of the team leading us.  She has no fear.  She, like Molly, also is a great student and individual.  She shows that leadership quality that a coach looks for. As a Junior during the Heritage Conference championship game, Macy garnered her 1000^th point.” ~ Homer-Center coach Nick Moore

Lauren Donelson, United Senior Guard – 11.0 PPG, 2.6 APG, 81 percent from free throw line. “Lauren is an all around athlete and very court smart. She will be hard to replace.” ~ United coach Paul Hall

Deja Gillo, Penns Manor Senior Point Guard – 8.9 PPG, 4.6 APG. “Deja was a great leader and player for our team. Her work ethic, dedication, and commitment played a huge role in the success of our team throughout her career! She is going to be greatly missed, but I hope the girls we have coming back will continue to carry on the legacy that she leaves behind.” ~ Penns Manor coach Jason Miloser

Sienna Kirsch, Cambria Heights Sophomore Forward – 15 PPG, 40 percent in field goals, 6.8 RPG, 72 percent in free throws. Sienna recorded multiple double doubles this year, and she scored 26 points against Northern Cambria. “Sienna is an outstanding basketball player on both ends of the floor. She is extremely hardworking and a player that would come early and stay late to get extra reps in. She loves the game and it really shows. I cannot wait to see where the next two years of her high school career take her!” ~ Cambria Heights coach Amber Fees

Katie Kovalchick, Indiana Senior Forward – 16 PPG, 47 percent in field goals, 6.6 RPG, scored 1,000th point against Woodland Hills. “Katie has made A direct impact on our team from her freshman year on. This year she was more diverse, her inside game was flawless. this past season she extended her shooting range, making her a double threat. shooting better than 50% from the field. Katie is the whole package. When we needed a score the team knew to look for her.” ~ Indiana coach Otto Peterson

Lydia Miller, Marion Center Junior Point Guard – 394 points, 200 rebounds, 175 steals, 99 assists, seven double-double and three triple-double games. “Talent is leverage, but hard work is what pulls the lever. Lydia is a very talented girl in everything she does, but her hard work, drive and determination is what defines her as an athlete. No matter what season, no matter what sport, whether in season or offseason, she never stops working! She is the type of girl that does the extra work, even when no one is watching.”~ Marion Center coach Amy Trimble

Arianna Wozniak, Portage Senior Guard – 12.8 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 2.7 SPG. Career stats: 876 Points, 100 3PT FGS, 461 Rebounds, 177 Assists. “Ari was a dynamic player for us this season on both ends of the court.  She scored in multiple ways and was a very strong defender and rebounder.  A leader on and off the court and top-notch student in the classroom; Ari will be truly missed by our Lady Mustang family.”~ Portage coach Lance Hudak

Coach of the Year

Nick Moore, Homer-Center – Moore has coached two years with the Homer Center girls, with a record of 49-13, one Heritage Conference title, two District VI titles, a Sweet 16 and this year’s State Runner Up with a trip to Hershey. A turning point for Wildcats was the Punxsy game (Feb. 15 loss, 65-44). “Our worst game of the year. From that point on, we went 8-1 with a trip to Hershey.

“It is an honor to be selected as Renda Media Coach of the Year. This is an honor for the entire Staff, Julie Horner, Maggie McLoughlin and myself. I am humbled with this award as there are other coaches within the area that are just as deserving, if not more, like Ricc Brown of River Valley. I would especially like to thank the girls for allowing me to enjoy this tremendous run to Hershey this year.”